Return of the restored signal (23 July 2015)

After just over a year following the signal’s removal, it was time to re-install the signal. The previous day, HCC arrived on site, with a digger, to excavate the original signal site in preparation.

Signal installation

The work was managed by Ian Clark Restorations and carried out by S&T Cover of Eastleigh with funds provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The work was commissioned by the Hayling Billy Heritage Partnership Board (Hampshire County Council, Havant Borough Council and Hayling’s Best).

The vehicles were assembled in the Hayling Halt car park. These were; a digger on hire to HCC to carry out the earth works, two flat bed lorries one carrying the signal and the other from Cousins carrying the tracked crane and other items for the installation, two Contractor’s support vehicles from S&T Cover (Signal restorers) and Cousins (the lift contractor). The signal was transferred to the lift contractor’s vehicle to save space at the site location. All vehicles then had to drive down the Hayling Billy Trail.

The digger being brought back to site along the HB Trail

The flat bed truck containing the tracked crane, trolley and signal arrives at the worksite

Note also the support vehicles in front of the truck. Although not an intended part of the exercise, it is a real test of the new pathway surface laid last year.

Unloading Crane

Unloading Signal

Moving the signal

raising the signal

Signal now vertical, ready for moving into excavation

The signal is swung round close to the excavation

Adding a little material for tamping and creating a flat base

The signal is lowered into the excavation

Only cm’s to go!

Hampshire County Council Ranger, Pete Potts, views progress from the bench on the Hayling Billy Trail

The first layer of infill has been dropped into the excavation up to the bull head rail secured to the signal post.

The second half of the cruciform has been fitted and final in-filling and tamping takes place to secure the signal

The bottom of the original ladder was revealed when digging the trench. This confirms the accuracy achieved in the positioning of the signal